Crews Battle Fire at Abandoned Church Rectory

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Firefighters were on the scene Wednesday night of an extra-alarm fire at the rectory of an abandoned church in Chicago's Grand Crossing neighborhood.

Firefighters were on the scene Wednesday night of an extra-alarm fire at the rectory of an abandoned church in Chicago's Grand Crossing neighborhood.

The fire started about 7:45 p.m. in the Imani House, the rectory for the unoccupied St. Laurence Church at 1300 E. 72nd St., Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford said.

The blaze, which was elevated to a second alarm, was contained to the second floor and attic area of the large 2 ½-story brick building, Langford said. The brick building is connected to the church through a breezeway, but the blaze did not travel through the walkway and the church abandoned church is unaffected by the fire.

At 8:45 p.m., firefighters remained on the scene battling the blaze and no flames were showing from the rectory, which appeared to be abandoned as well and had a "No Trespassing" sign.

One firefighter was injured but was taken in good condition to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center. The cause of the fire is unknown.